8 Things to Know Before Running Cupid’s Undie Run

Cupid's Undie Run, a 1.5-mile run in your underwear to raise money for the Children's Tumor Foundation, is on Saturday, February 9. Race organizers say the more creative the costume, the better. Photograph by Melissa Romero.

It’s hard to believe that just two years ago we were out in the freezing cold watching hundreds of people run in their skivvies for the second annual Cupid’s Undie Run. The popular 1.5-mile run, now in its fourth year, has caught on in 17 other cities, including Sydney, Australia. With four years of running in their boxers and sports bras under their belt, the race’s organizers offered some helpful tips on what to expect before running the race this weekend.

1) You don’t have to be super fit.Still have a little holiday weight on your hips? Don’t even worry about it. “Every BODY is welcome,” to run the race, the crew says. There will be people of all shapes and sizes donning everything from tighty-whities to short spandex to hot-pink sports bras.

2) The more creative the costume, the better.Don’t be afraid to think outside the box. Guys wearing red Speedos may be the norm, but it doesn’t hurt to throw on a pair of angel wings, a cowboy hat, or a tutu, too.

3) But hold off on the thongs.Yes, the run encourages you to “bare all” for the Children’s Tumor Foundation, but try to stay classy and avoid wearing thongs or pasties. As the team says, “It’s for the kids!”

4) Test your costume.Take it from the female pros, who suggest doing a “bounce test” on your outfit before leaving the house. Sure, the race is only a mile and a half, but that’s a long time for you to worry about having a Janet Jackson moment on the route.

5) This is not a race.It’s a fun run, a 1.5-mile dance to the US Capitol, a chance to wear your girlfriend’s lingerie—not a sprint. There’s no real finish line, and don’t expect to get a medal at the end. Do expect to laugh—a lot—and make a beeline straight to the warm bar for a congratulatory beer afterward.

6) Document the occasion.“How many other times will you be able to run around our nation’s Capitol [in your skivvies] and not get arrested?” the team asks. Bring your camera along for the run and get evidence. Then send or tweet your photos to us at wellbeing@washingtonian.com or @washwellbeing!

7) Don’t drink and drive.Sure, you can drink and run, but once it’s time to head home, take advantage of an Uber ride. The car service will offer free rides to all charitable cherubs.

8) If you can’t run, donate.Miss out on registering for the race this year? You can still help the Children’s Tumor Foundation by donating to an individual runner or team, or make a general donation. The organizers’ goal is to raise $1 million this year.